And some thoughts on gaming…

First off. I love gaming. Second, I will blather about my Exalted campaign and see if I can get my thoughts as straight as I’d like them to be.

Overview of the campaign:

The Mask of Winters, having taken over the city of Thorns, has made progress towards conquering the surrounding territories. To date, he has taken over areas as far south as Jades. along the Grey River, and as far south as the Bayou of Regret along the coast line. (Helpful map: http://gamerchic.com/exalted/map_creation.jpg ). Additionally, his rule now extends northward to Deren’s Ford and Varsi.

He has sent feeler expedition further southward and eastward.

Meanwhile, The Walker in Darkness is making some moves of his own. The PCs have not heard his name at all, but have come across some hints that someone is undermining Mask of Winters’ attempts at taking over creation. Walker’s distinct disadvantage is lack of military might that was generated when Thorns was taken over, as well as the fact that Mask is in charge of the Juggernaut. Walker has tried to catch up in a straight-forward manner by exploring the city of Denandsor, but all forays he’s sent to that city have failed to return. Thus far his trickery has involved sending a group of Abyssals and troops down to the city of Rathess in an attempt to take over the city or at least forewarn them of Mask’s intent. This caused a disruption in a mission sent by a legitimate party from Thorns that was trying to strike up some sort of preliminary agreement with the city diplomatically. Both of the Abyssals’ missions have failed.

The link between the two is one particular Abyssal exalt. There is a shard of exaltation that is trying to get itself redeemed somehow. It’s memories from it’s original host are especially strong, and that has allowed the shard to remember that it was once a tool for good and for justice, and it doesn’t like that it’s being misused. So, it’s trying to manipulate the two deathlords into infighting to delay their efforts in Creation, as well as increase the chance that someone might discover it’s intent and assist it in some way.

For the PCs parts, they started out in the city of Rathess, where they became involved in thwarting the efforts of both Walker and Mask. The Sigil of Right, ruler of Rathess (in my version of Creation anyhow…) has asked them to take a message to Nexus to let the Emmisary know what had happened. They’ve travelled in a roundabout way to get there, and have finally arrived, with a few additions picked up along the way.

Upon entering the city of Nexus, the Emissary greets them when they’re just a few blocks into the city. He’s accepted their messages and has managed to fenagle a few favors from the group in order to pay off some debts owned by a party memeber.

Now… I just need to figure out how to proceed from here.

Oh… And if any of my players read this. I expect you NOT to metagame, or I may cast PC smiting Prana.